Selective controlling and indicating apparatus



Dec. 1, 1936. sNAvELY I 2,062,839

SELECTIVE CONTROLLING AND INDICATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 5, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 g INVENTO m SSnavely.

A TTORNE Y.

C. S. SNAVELY Dec. 1, 1936.

SELECTIVE CONTROLLING AND INDICATING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 5, 1927 INVENTOR. Clarence S. Snauely Q21 H16 A TTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 1, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT orrlce SELECTIVE CONTROLLING AND INDI- CATING APPARATUS Clarence S. Snavely, Pittsburgh, Pa, assignor to The Union Switch & Signal Company, Swissvale, Pa, a corporation of Pennsylvania 45 Claims.

My invention relates to selective controlling and indicating apparatus of the type comprising means located at one point, such as a train despatchers ofiice, for selectively controlling traffic governing apparatus located at remote points, and means for indicating the condition of such apparatus at the despatchers oflice. Apparatus embodying my invention is particularly suitable for, though in no way limited to, the control and indication of railway switches and signals in general, in a centralized trafic controlling system for railroads, but as herein illustrated is specifically arranged for the control of train order signals located at a remote station provided with a middle order siding.

The present case is a continuation of my copending application, Serial No. 181,057, filed April 5, 1927, for Selective controlling and indicating apparatus.

I will describe one form of controlling and indicating apparatus applied to a middle order signal system, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing one form of controlling and indicating apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing in elevation a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. l and also embodying my invention. Fig. 3 is a View showing a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 2 with certain of the parts removed to show the construction. Fig. 4 is a side view of one of the clutches P of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 5 is a side View partially sectioned showing one of the code keys K and the associated clutch P. Fig. 6 is a View showing a track switch controlled by the apparatus of my invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of the several views.

Referring first to Fig. l, the reference character A designates a stretch of track provided with a middle order siding I. Two signals designated by the reference characters W and E, respectively, are located adjacent the siding I for controlling trafiic over the main track. These signals may be of any suitable form, and as here shown signal W controls westbound trailic while signal E controls eastbound traffic and each signal when clear'gives an indication conflicting with the indication of the other signal when clear. The two signals W and E are selectively controlled from a remote point, such as a despatchers cfiice, over line wires t and 5. The despatchers equipment comprises a plurality of normally unwound code keys K K and K Code keys of the type described are well known in the art and it is thought to be unnecessary to describe them in detail in this application. For present purposes it is Sllfilcient'to state that each code key K comprises a code wheel l operating a contact 8 in such manner that when the key is first wound and then released, the consequent movement of the code wheel periodically opens and closes the associated contact 8. Each of the code keys K, when operated, supplies a distinctive control code to the line wiresA and 5. As shown in the drawings, a battery l8 has a positive terminal B constantly connected with wire 5 and when the contact 8 of any one of the code keys K K or K is closed, wire 4 is connected with terminal C of this bat-' tery. The operation of any one'oi the code keys K therefore supplies periodically interrupted current from battery E8 to the line. wires d and 5 to supply a control code to these line wires, the characteristic of which code depends upon the disposition and arrangement of the projections l on the code wheel. It should be noted that whenthe keys K are at rest, all contacts 8 are open, and battery I8 is disconnected from wire 4.

Located adjacent the siding l I provide code receiving apparatus comprising a quick acting line relay N and a plurality of code responsive relays or selectors S S and S each comprising an operating winding it and a movable member H operated thereby. When selector S 'is deenergized, the parts occupy the positions in which they are illustrated in the drawings. When the winding It is supplied with the code transmitted by code key K the member I l is moved into the position in which contact l3-li--l2 is closed, but this contact is not closed by operation of keys K orK In similar manner, selector S is responsive only to the control code delivered by code key K so that the normally closed contact I4 is open only when the key K has been operated to actuate the selector S Furthermore, selector S which has a code setting corresponding to the control code delivered by key K is arranged to close contact l3l lt2 when supplied with such code. The selector S is also provided with a second contact l5-lfi which is normally open but is arranged to be closed when the selectors S S and S are receiving any of the codes delivered by the keys K K or K The operating mechanisms of the selectors may, for example, be similar to those disclosed in Patent No. 1,343,256, granted June 15, 1920 to J. C. Field, for Selectively operated circuit .controlling devices, and the contacts of the selectors may be arranged as shown in the drawing to produce the results described.

I will now describe the manner in which the selectors S S and S are supplied with energy in accordance with the control codes delivered to the line wires 4 and 5 by the keys K K and K The line relay N is provided with a circuit which passes from wire 5 through wire I51, winding of relay N, wire I58, back contact 24 of a relay wire I59, back contact 26 of relay 7' and wires I60, I28 and I29 to line wire 4. The control of relays f and 7' will be described in detail hereinafter, but it will be seen that when these two relays are deenergized, relay N is connected directly with line wires 4 and 5 so that relay N responds to the control code impulses deilvered to the line wires by the code keys K located at the despatchers ofiice. Energy is supplied to the operating windings it of the selectors S S and S from any suitable source of energy such as a battery 25 the terminals of which are connected with line wire 4 and a line wire 6 respectively. The armatures 2'! and 28 of relay N constitute a pole changer for reversing the polarity of the current supplied to the operating windings ll! of the selectorsin accordance with the operation of relay N. When one of the keys K at the despatchers oflice is operated to supply a control code to the line wires 4 and 5, relay N is energized by each impulse of such code, provided relays f and 7' are deenergized. Each time relay NY is energized, and each time it is deenergized, it reverses the polarity of the current supplied to the operating windings ll) of the selectors .8 S and S and a surge of current is therefore delivered to each operating winding ID for each operation of relay N. It will be plain, therefore, that the energy supplied to the operating windings W of the selectors is a faithful reproduction of the control codes supplied to the line wires 4 and 5 by the control keys K located at the despatchers ofiice. A condenser I! is inserted in series with the winding [0 of each selector so that when relay N is at rest, no energy is consumed in the operating windmgs.

If code key K is operated to actuate selector S the contact l3-l ll2 of this selector closes and completes a pick-up circuit for a stick relay F over which the current flows from terminal B of a suitable source of energy, (adjacent relay 3 on the drawing) through wires 29 and 30, contact |3-I Il2 of selector S wires 3i and 32, winding of relay F wire 33 and back contact 34 of relay F to terminal 0 of the same source. The contact of selector S is closed only for a brief interval, but the relay F is maintained in its energized condition by virtue of a stick circuit which may be traced from terminal B, through wire 29, contact l3-l4 of selector S wires 39 and 40, front contact 4| of relay F wires 42 and 32, winding of relay F wire 33 and back contact 34 of relay F to terminal C. It follows that relay 1?, having once been energized, remains in its energized condition as long as contact l3l4 of selector S is closed and relay F is open. When relay F becomes energized, the closing of its front contacts energizes v restore the signal E to the stop position, he operates the code key K This operates selector S to open its back contact l3-l 4, thereby interrupting the stick circuit for relay F and allowing that relay to become deenergized. This breaks the operating circuit for the signal E and allows the signal to return to the stop position. In similar manner, if the despatcher operates code key K to actuate selector S stick relay F becomes energized over its pick-up circuitwhich is similar to the pick-up circuit already traced for relay F Relay F is subsequently maintained in its energized condition as long as the contact of selector S remains closed, by virtue of a stick circuit including front contact 43 of relay F and contact l3-I4 of elector S When relay F becomes energized, signal W is moved to the proceed position, and when the operator subsequently wishes to return this signal to the stop position he may do so either by operating code key K to actuate selector f5 and break the stick circuit for relay F at contact l3-i4, or by operating code key K to actuate selector S to pick up relay F and thereby break the stick circuit for relay F at back contact 38. Relay F may likewise be released by picking up relay F to open back contact 34. It is thus clear that a signal may be restored to stop either by transmission of a stop code or by clearing the opposing signal.

It is desirable to provide an indication, in the despatchers office, of the condition of the apparatus controlled by the keys K K and K For this purpose there are provided, adjacent the mid dle order siding, a plurality of starting relays each designated by the reference character G with a suitable distinguishing exponent and each arranged when energized to effect the transmission of an indication code to the despatchers oifice. Each starting relay G is a stick relay arranged to be picked up by a momentary impulse of current and to then remain energized to store the code until its transmission is effected. The starting relays G and G are controlled in accordance with the conditions of signals W and E respectively. This control is accomplished in part by two circuit controllers T and T operated by the signals W and E respectively, and in part by relays F and F Each of circuit controllers T and T is normallyopen and comprises a contact 44-46 arranged to be closed momentarily, when the associated signal is moving to the proceed position, just before the signal reaches its full proceed position. Each of the circuit controllers T also comprises a contact 44-45 arranged to be closed momentarily just before the signal moves into its full stop position.

If signal E is moved to its proceed position by energization of relay F contact 4446 of circuit controller T will be closed momentarily just before the signal completes its stroke. As a result, current will flow from terminal B, through contact 44- 35 of circuit controller T wires 41 and 48, front contact 49 of. relay F wires 58 and 5!, winding of relay G wire 52, and a contact 2| the operation of which will be described herein-' after, to terminal C. If contact 2| is closed, therefore, starting relay G will have its pickup circuit momentarily closed just before signal E reaches its proceed position. As soon as relay G becomes energized, a stick circuit for this relay becomes closed, which circuit is from terminal B over front contact 53 of relay G through the winding of the relay, wire 52, and contact 2! to terminal C. Relay G having once been energized, is therefore maintained in its energized condition as long as the contact 2! is closed. The pick-up circuit for relay (1 is provided with a branch which passes from terminal B, through contact 4445 of circuit controller T wires 54 and ll, front contact 55 of relay F to wire 5|. It follows that relay G is energized when either of the signals W or E moves to its proceed position provided the associated relay F is energized; and that the relay G is then held closed until the associated contact 2! opens.

In similar manner when either of the signals W or E is restored to the stop position, starting relay G becomes closed due to the momentary closing of contact 44-45 of circuit controller T or T When signal W returns to the stop position, the pick-up circuit for relay G passes from terminal B, through contact 45-45 of. circuit controller T wires 56 and 51, back contact 58 of relay F wire 59, back contact 6t of relay F wire 6!, winding of relay G wire 62 and an associated contact 2| to terminal C. When signal E is returned to its stop position a pick-up circuit for relay G is closed from terminal B through contact A i-45 of circuit controller T and wires 63 to wire 51 and thence as before through relay G to terminal C. If, therefore, relays F and F are both deenergized, relay G will become energized if either of the signals W or E moves to the stop position. Relay G", having once been energized, is thereafter kept energized as long as its associated contact H is closed, by virtue of. a stick circuit which passes from terminal B through front contact 54 of relay G", Wire 55, winding of relay G wire .52, contact 2i and back to terminal C.

It is desirable also to indicate in the despatchers oflice the movements of trains past the signals W and E. For this purpose the track rails adjacent these signals are divided, by means of insulated joints 2, to form two track sections ab and bd, the junction of which is preferably located adjacent the signals WV and E. Each section (1-5 and b-d is provided with a track circuit, and track circuit current is supplied to the rails of each of these sections by a battery 3 connected across the rails of the section. An interlocking relay R is provided with two windings r and 2' connected across the rails of the two sections (1-1) and boZ, respectively, and serves as a direction relay to indicate which section is first occupied, thus indicating the direction of movement of a train past signal W or E into the adjacent non-track-circuited stretch of track. The relay R comprises four front contacts 66, 6?, GS and l6, and two back contacts 68 and ll, and may be any of the well known forms of interlocking relays customarily employed in railway signaling systems. One form of relay suitable for this purpose is disclosed in Letters Patent of the United States, No. 799352, granted September 12, 1905, to W. W. Coleman. When the sections (1-?) and bd are both unoccupied, windings T and 1' are both energized so that all of the front contacts of, relay R are all closed and the back contacts are open. If an eastbound train enters section a-b, front contacts 66 and 6? open and back contact 58 closes. Current then flows from terminal B, through back contact E8 of relay R, wire 72, and the winding of a slow releasing relay 71: to terminal C. Relay is therefore becomes energized. As the eastbound train enters section bd, front contact l0 opens, but due to the interlocking characteristics of the relay, back contact H does not close and front contact 89 remains closed. When the train Vacates section a-b, the front contacts 66 and 67 close and back contact 68 opens, but contact 69 remains closed and contact H remains open. Relay is therefore becomes deenergized, but due to its slow releasing characteristics an interval of time elapses during which the front contacts of this relay remain closed. During this interval, current flows from terminal B, through wires 73 and it, front contact 69 of relay R, wire it, front contact 61 of relay R, wire'lt, front contact l"! of relay 70, wire l8, winding of relay G wire 19, and the associated contact 2! to terminal C. Relay G therefore becomes energized, but as soon as relay is opens, this pick-up circuit for relay G is interrupted. Relay G is provided with a stick circuit which passes from terminal B, through front contact Bil of relay G wire 8!, winding of relay G wire 19, and contact 2| to terminal 0', so that relay G remains in its energized condition as long as contact 2| remains closed. When the eastbound train vacates section b-d, winding T becomes energized, thereby restoring the relay R to its normal condition. It will be plain from the foregoing, that when an eastbound train passes signal E, relay G becomes energized and that this relay thereafter remains closed until contact 2! opens. In similar manner, if a westbound train enters section b-d, winding r of relay R. becomes deenergized, thereby closing back contact ii and opening front contacts 59 and 10. The closing of back contact it connects terminal B with wire 12 and therefore energizes relay 70. When the train enters section ab, front contact 51 opens, but due to the interlocking characteristics of the relay, front contact 86 remains closed and back contact 58 remains open. When the train vacates section b--cl, front contacts 69 and it close and back contact ii opens so that relay is becomes deenergized. In the brief interval during which the front contacts of the relay lc remain closed, however, due to its slow acting characteristics, an impulse of energy is delivered to relay G over a circuit which passes from terminal B, through wire it, front contact 66 of relay R, wireiiZ, front contact 75 of relay R, wire 83, front contact M of relay is, wire 85, winding of relay G wire 85, and the associated contact 2i back to terminal C. Relay G is subsequently maintained in its energized condition as long as contact 2i remains closed, by virtue of a stick circuit including front contact 87 of relay G The relay R is restored to its normal condition when the westbound train vacates section ab.

The starting relays G G G and G control automatic indication code transmitting apparatus designated in general by the reference character Q and illustrated in detail in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Referring now to these views as well as to Fig. l, the apparatus Q comprises a motor M which operates a shaft 88 provided with four worms B9, 9G, 9! and 92 (Fig. 2). Each of these worms at times operates a code key designated by the reference character K with an appropriate distinguishing exponent, there being one key for each starting relay G. These keys are similar to the keys K K and K except that instead of being manually operated each key is arranged to be wound by the motor M, and is then released automatically to transmit an impulse combination, or code, to the line wires :2 and 5. The winding of. the keys K to K is effected by means of sending magnets, or electric clutch mechanisms, designated by the reference character P with a distinguishing exponent, which function as repeater relays for the relays G, there being one sending magnet or clutch for each key. The

clutches are interposed between the operating spindles 93 (Fig. of the code keys K and the corresponding worms on the motor shaft 88. As best shown in Fig. 5, each clutch P comprises a magnetizable barrel 94 pinned to the spindle 93 of the associated code key K. This barrel is provided with an annular recess 95 which contains a winding 96. Associated with the barrel 94 is a magnetizable armature 91 rigidly attached to a worm wheel 38 meshing with one of the worms on the motor shaft 88. When Winding 96 is deene-rgized the worm wheel 98 is disconnected from the barrel 94 of the clutch P so that if, under these conditions, the motor M is operated, the worm wheel turns without moving the barrel of. the clutch. If, however, the motor is operated while winding 96 is energized, the barrel 94 is rotated with the armature ill driven by the worm wheel and thereby serves to rotate the spindle 573 of the code key K. Attached to the barrel 94 is a contact operating lug 23 as best shown in Fig. 3. When the barrel occupies its normal position corresponding to the unwound position of the code key, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the lug 23 closes a contact 2!] but this contact opens as soon as the barrel of the clutch is moved away from this initial position by the operation of the motor M when the clutch P is energized. The lug 23 on the clutch barrel 9 3 also operates two normally closed contacts ZI and 22 which are arranged to be opened when the barrel of the clutch moves into the position which corresponds to the fully wound condition of the associated code key K. Referring now again to Fig. 1, it is this contact 2i operated by each of the clutches which is included in the stick circuit for the associated starting relay, and each of. the starting relays is therefore held closed after having once been energized until the associated key is fully wound. In explaining the operation of the automatic indication code transmitting apparatus Q, I will first assume that one of the signals E or W is cleared so that relay G becomes energized as has been described h-ereinbefore. Relay G is held in its energized condition by its stick circuit including its own front contact and contact 2| operated by the clutch P The energization of relay G completes a circuit from terminal B, through back contact 98 of a relay h, wire I80, front contact IQI of relay G wires I62 and I03, contact 20 operated by clutch P wire I04, contact 26 operated by clutch P wire Hi5, contact 20 operated by clutch P wire Hi8, contact 20 operated by clutch P wires I9? and I68, winding of. a master relay to terminal C. Master relay 7' therefore becomes energized and closes its front contacts. Current then flows from terminal B, through front contact I09 of relay 1', wire III}, and the field and armature of motor M to terminal C. The motor M therefore operates to drive shaft 38 and to operate the worms 89, BIS, 9| and 92. Furthermore, the energization of relay 9' completes a circuit from terminal B, through front contact I69 of relay 7', wire III, back contact II2 of. relay G wire H3, back contact H t of relay G wire H5, front contact H6 of relay G wire H1, and the energizing winding of the clutch P to terminal C. The clutch l? is therefore energized to couple the key K with the motor M, and sothat key K becomes wound up, but the circuits for theremaining clutches P P and P" are all open so that none of the other code keys K K and K is coupled with motor shaft 88 to wind up such key. It should be noted that as soon as the winding operation of key K commences, the resulting movement of lug 23 on the clutch barrel (Fig. 3) allows contact 20 to open, thereby interrupting the circuit previously traced for relay 1'. This relay is now maintained in its energized condition, however, by a stick circuit which passes from terminal B, through back contact 99 of relay h, wire I00, front contact IOI of relay G wire I02, contact 22 operated by clutch P wire I I9, contact 22 operated by clutch P wire I26, contact 22 operated by clutch P wire I2I, contact 22 operated by clutch P wire I22, front contact I23 of relay 7', wires I24 and I08, and the winding of relay 7 to terminal C. It should be observed that this stick circuit includes contact 22 operated by clutch P As soon as the winding operation of code key K is completed, contacts 2I and 22 operated by the clutch P open. The opening of contact 22 interrupts the stick circuit for relay 7', allowing this relay to become deenergized, thereby opening the circuit for the motor M at front contact I09. The opening of contact I09 also deenergizes the clutch l? to release the code key K and allow the key to transmit an indication code as will be described hereinafter. Moreover, the opening of contact 2| on clutch PP breaks the stick circuit for relay G and allows this relay to become deenergized. When the code key K is released after having been wound up, it operates to intermittently close contact 8 in accordance with a predetermined indication code. During this operation of the code key the contact 8 supplies an indication code to the line wires 4 and 5 from battery I9, the positive terminal B of which is constantly connected with line wire 5 and the negative terminal of which is connected through brush 9 bearing on the code wheel I of the key K contact 8, wires I25, I26, I21, I28 and I29 to line wire 4.

The indication code thus supplied to the line wires 4 and 5 operates code receiving apparatus, comprising a quick-acting line relay L connected across these line wires in the despatchers oifice, which relay controls the supply of current to the operating windings Ill of a plurality of selectors S S S and S in the same manner that relay N controls the supply of current to the operating windings of selectors S S and S The selectors in the despatchers ofiice are each arranged to be operated to close the associated contact I3--I I-- 12 only when the indication code supplied to the selector is transmitted from the code key of apparatus Q having a corresponding exponent. The operation of the key K therefore actuates selector S but does not actuate the remaining selectors at the despatchers office. When the selector S is operated, current flows from terminal B through contact I 3-II-I2 of selector S wire I 30 and winding I3I of relay J, to terminal C Relay J, therefore becomes energized to close contact I32I32 and current then flows from terminal B through contact I32I32 of relay J, wire I33, and lamp I34 to terminal C The lamp I34 is a part of a visual indicator X comprising a plurality of such lamps selectively controlled to inform the operator in the despatchers offlce of the condition of the apparatus at the middle order siding. When lamp B4 is lighted, it informs the operator that one of the signals is in the proceed position. The operation of the apparatus Q when one of the other indication relays G becomes energized will be readily understood from the foregoing. For example, if one of the signals W or E returns to the stop position, so that relay G becomes energized, the apparatus Q operates to wind up the code key K". When the winding operation is completed, the relay is deenergized, the motor is stopped, and the relay G is again deenergized. The key K then transmits an indication code to the line wires 4 and 5, which code actuates selector S Current then flows from terminal B through contact I3-l I- i2 of selector S wire I35, and winding I36 of relay J to terminal C Contact I32I32 is then closed and current flows from terminal B through contact I32i32 of relay J, wire I3'I, and lamp I38 to terminal C The lighting of lamp I 38 informs the operator that the signal has returned to its stop position. Similarly, when relay G becomes energized, in response to a westbound train movement past signal W the code key K is operated to transmit to the line wires :3 and 5 an indication code which actuates selector S Current from terminal 13 then flows through contact i3I I-I2 of selector S wires let, I 43 and I40 and winding of relay H to terminal C Relay H therefore becomes energized and is subsequently held in that condition by current which flows from terminalB through a manually operable normally closed push button Z, wire MI, front contact M2 of relay H wires M3 and Hit, and winding of relay H to terminal C With this circuit closed, current also flows through the push button 2 and front contact I42 of relay H wires i 53 and M4 to lamp I45 of indicator X, lighting lamp I45 to display an indication which persists as long as relay H remains energized, thereby informing the operator that a westbound train has passed the signal W, and is occupying the adjacent non-track circuited stretch at the left of the siding. If the despatcher wishes to extinguish the lamp I45 to cancel the indication he may do so by operating the push button Z, thereby breaking the stick circuit for relay H and interrupting the circuit for; lamp M5 at the front contact M2 thereon. The push button Z may then be restored to its original position.

Finally, should relay G be energized due to the passage of an eastbound train past the signal E, code key K is operated to transmit an indication code over line wires 4 and 5 which actuates the selector S Relay H is then energized by a circuit similar to the pick-up circuit just traced for relay H and the relay H is subsequently maintained in its energized condition by a stick circuit including the push button Z which circuit will be obvious from the drawings. With relay H energized, lamp M6 is lighted and displays a persistent indication to inform the operator that an eastbound train has passed signal E, and is occupying the adjacent non-track circuited stretch of track at the right of the siding. The lamp I46 may be extinguished to cancel the indication by operating push button Z to break the stick circuit of relay H It will be apparent that under some conditions of operation, two or more of the starting relays G may become energized at one or the same time. he corresponding code keys were actuated at the same time to supply two or more indication codes to the line wires 6 and 5, the resulting interference between the codes might conflict with the proper operation of the selectors located the despatchers office. It will be apparent, however, that the circuit for each of the windings of the clutches P includes the back contacts of all of the starting relays G to the left of the relay G associated with such clutch, so that only one of the clutch mechanisms P can be energized at a time. In other words, if two of the' Startin relays become energized at the same time, the clutch winding associated with one relay can be energized when bothrelays are up, whilethe clutch winding associated with the other starting relay can be energized only when one of the starting relays is in its deenergized position. It follows, therefore, that if two or more of the starting relays G become energized at once, the winding of the clutch P associated with the relay farthest to the left in Fig. 1 will first be energized to wind up its code key to transmit the corresponding indication code to the line wires in the manner already described. It should be noted that the pickup circuit for the master relay 7' can be closed only when all of the clutches occupy the positions corresponding to the unwound conditions of the code keys. If one clutch is energized to couple the corresponding code key to the motor shaft, the master relay 7 releases to stop the motor M when the key is fully :wound'. Another clutch can not be energized to couple a second code key with the motor shaft until the first code key has returned to its completely unwound condition. By this arrangement, it will be seen that the code keys are successively wound up and released so that only one of the keys can transmit an indication code to the line wires at a time. 7

The purpose of relay is to disconnect the relay N from the line wire it when an indication code is being supplied to the line wires. It will be noted that each of the code keys is so. arranged that the lower member of the contact 8 is connected with terminal C of the source through the associated brush 9 at all times when the corresponding code key is transmitting a code. This connection is interrupted, however, when all the code keys are at rest. The relay 1 is connected from terminal B to a wire I50 which is connected with the lower member of each of the contacts 8, so that when any one of the keys is transmitting a code, the relay f is energized, thereby opening its back contact 2% and disconnecting the relay N from the line wires Q and 5. With this arrangement it is impossible for any of the selectors S S or S to be operated when one of the code keys K of the apparatus Q is transmitting an indication code to the line Wires 4 and 5. y

The apparatus is also arranged to prevent the supply of an indication code to the line wires when a control code is being received from the despatchers ofiice. This lock-out feature is accomplished by means of relay h which is supplied with energy over contact IS-lt of selector S which contact is arranged to be closed when any one of the-control codes is being received. Contact I5! 6 of selector S is open when the selector occupies its normal position, but each impulse received by this selector when line relay N is operated by a control code moves the movable memher i I of the selector away from its normal .position even though contact I I I2 of the selector is closed only in response to the particular code to which the selector is arranged to respond. Any movement of member I I therefore closes contact 5-!6 and energizes relay h, and since this relay is slow acting, it remains closed during the reception of any control code. 'When relayhh is energized it opens back contact 99 which is included in the circuits for the master relay '9'; With relay h energized, it is impossible forthe master relay 7' to become energized, and since the to Wind up any of the keys of the apparatus .Q

when a control code is being received from the despatchers oflice.

The relay g located in the despatchers ofiice is connected in parallel with the operating windings ll! of the selectors S S, S and S and interposed in series with this relay is an asymmetric unit I52. The unit 152 is so connected'as to oppose the flow of current of the polarity supplied to the relay g under-normal conditions, that is, I

when relay L is deenergized, so that relay 9 is deenergized under these conditions. When relay L is operating, however, in accordance with an indication code or in accordance with a control code, as a result of operation of any of the code keys K, relay 9 becomes energized each time relay L is energized. Each time relayg is energized it completes a circuit from terminal 13 through and the operating mechanism of a single stroke bell I55, to terminal C operates to give an audible indication on each impulse of each code transmitted to the line wires 4 and 5.

The selective and controlling indication apparatus which I have herein shown and described is not limited to use in controlling middle order signals, but may be adapted to the control and/ or indication of any apparatus which is located at a distance from the controlling point. For example, the two stick relays F and F may be used to control a switch machine SM for operating a track switch, as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this view the contacts M1 and M8 of relays F and F respectively, correspond to contacts such as contact 35 which controls signal E in Fig. 1. The apparatus of Fig. 6 is so arranged that the track switch will be operated in one direction when relay F is energized and in the opposite direction when relay F is energized, the motor circuit being closed in the first instance over front contact I41 and back contact Hi8 and opened at contact I49 operated by the switch machine when the switch completes its movement, while in the second instance the motor circuit is closed over front contact M3 and back contact I41 and is opened at contact l5! when the switch completes its movement in the opposite direction.

Although I have herein shown and described only one form of apparatusembodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a movable device, a code key, a relay, means effective upona change in theposition of said device to energize said relay provided said key occupies its normal position, a motor, a clutch controlled by the relay for at times coupling the key with the motor, and means effective when said relay is energized for operating said motor provided said clutch is energized.

2. In combination with a movable device a capable of at least two operations, a first normally deenergized relay, means for energizing said. first relay upon one operation of the device, a second normally deenergized relay, means for energizing said second relay upon a different operation ofthe device, a motor, two code keys one associated-with each said relay and each provided with a code wheel and a spring for driving said wheel, a clutch for each said key arranged to couple the corresponding spring The bell l56, therefore with: the motor to. wind up the spring when the corresponding relay is energized, and means controlled by each codekey for deenergizing the associated relay when the corresponding spring is wound up.

3. In combination capable of at least two operations, a first normally deenergized relay, means for energizing said first relayupon one operation of the device, a second normally deenergized relay, means for energizing said. second relay upon a different operation of the device, a motor, two code keys one associated with each said relay and each provided with a code wheel and a spring for driving said-wheel, a clutch for each said keyarranged when actuated to couple the corresponding spring with the motor to Wind up the wire I53, front contact I54 of relay g, wire I55,

spring, means for actuating each clutch when thecorresponding relay is energized, and means 4. In combination with a movable device, two

indication relays, a pick-up circuit for one said.

relay arranged to be closed when said device is moved to one position, a pick-up circuit for the second said relay arranged to be closed when said device is moved to a different position, a

motor relay, a motor controlled by the motorrelay, two code keys each provided with a code wheel and a spring for driving the wheel, two electric clutches, one for coupling each said spring with the motor to wind up the spring, a pick-up circuitfor the motor relay arranged to be closed when either indication relay is energized and all the springs are unwound, a stick circuit for the motor relay for subsequently maintaining such relay closed until one of the springs is completely wound, and a stick circuit for each indication relay controlled by an associated code key and arranged to be opened when the corresponding spring is completely wound.

5. In combination, a movable device, a motor,

a code key provided with a code wheel and a wound to deenergize the motor and the clutch.

6. In combination with a movable device, a motor relay, a motor controlled by the motor relay, a code key having a code wheel and aspring for driving said wheel, a first contact closed only when the spring is unwound, a second and a third contact open only when the spring is wound up, a normally deenergized indication relay having a pick-up circuit closed momentarily at times in accordance with a change in the position of said device, a stick circuit for the indication relay including said second contact, an electric clutch for coupling the spring with the motor to wind the key, a circuit for said clutch including a front contact of the motor relay and a front contact of the indication relay, a pick-up circuit for the motor relay including saidfirst contact and a front contact of the indication relay, and a stick circuit for the motor relay including a front contact of the indication relay and said third contact.

'7. In combination, a plurality of indication relays, a motor, a plurality of code keys each comprising a code wheel and a spring for driving 5 with a movable device said wheel, means effective when any one of the relays is energized to couple the spring of an associated key with the motor to wind the key, and means efiective when two or more of such relays are energized at a time to couple the corresponding keys with the motor in a predetermined order and to prevent the operation of each key until the preceding key in such order has completed its operation.

8. In combination, two sections of railway track, means for supplying track circuit current to the rails of each said section, an interlocking relay having two windings one connected with the rails of each said section, two indication relays selectively controlled by the interlocking relay in accordance with the direction of travel of a train traversing said sections, two code keys controlled by said indication relays, respectively, and selectors controlled selectively by the code keys.

9. In combination, a motor, a plurality of code keys, each comprising a code wheel and a spring for driving such wheel, a magnetic clutch for each code key arranged when energized to couple the corresponding spring with the motor to wind the key, a plurality of normally open contacts, means operating when each such contact is closed to energize a corresponding one of said clutches, and means effective when two or more of said contacts are closed at a time to energize the corresponding clutches in a predetermined order.

10. In combination, a movable device, a relay, a code key comprising a code wheel and a spring for driving said wheel, means for energizing said relay upon a change in the position of said device, means for subsequently holding said relay energized until said key is wound up, a motor, means for energizing said motor when said relay becomes energized, and means for coupling said spring with said motor to wind up the key.

11. In combination, a movable device, a relay, a code key comprising a code wheel and a spring for driving said wheel, means for energizing said relay upon a change in the position of said device, means for subsequently holding said relay energized until said key is wound up, a motor, means for energizing said motor when said relay becomes energized, and means operating when said relay is energized to couple said spring with said motor until the key is entirely wound.

12. In combination, a plurality of indication relays, a plurality of code keys one for each said relay and each comprising a code wheel and a spring for driving said wheel, means for momentarily energizing selected ones of said relays, means for subsequently holding each such relay energized until the associated code key is wound up, a. motor relay, means for energizing said motor relay when any indication relay is energized provided said code keys are all unwound, means for subsequently holding said motor relay energized until one of said code keys is wound up, a motor controlled by a front contact of said motor relay, and means effective when any one of said indication relays is energized for coupling the spring of the associated code key with said motor to wind up the key.

13. In combination with a railway track having two adjacent track portions isolated from each other and from the remaining track, a normally closed track circuit associated with each portion, a direction relay for indicating which of said portions were first occupied thus indicating the direction of movement of a train, a train despatchers office, a line circuit connecting said despatchers off ce and said two track portions, means including said line circuit for indicating when said direction relay is energized during the passage of a train over one of said two track portions, a signal associated with one of said track portions, and means for controlling said signal over said line circuit.

14. In combination with a railway track having two adjacent track portions ioslated from each other and from the remaining track, a normally closed track circuit associated witheach portion, a direction relay for indicating which'oi said portions were first occupied thus indicating the direction of movement of a train, means for indicating-at a distant point the simultaneous occupancy of one of said track portions and the energization of said direction relay, a signal associated with one of said track portions, and

means for controlling said signal over said line circuit.

15. In a centralized traffic controlling system, the combination with a section of track of a railway system, a track relay associated with said section, a stick relay associated with said section which stick relay assumes its energized condition when trafiic moves in one direction over said sec tion, a local ofiice, a line circuit connecting said office and section, and automatically initiated indicating means for indicating over said line circuit the condition of energization of said track relay and the condition of energization of said stick relay.

16. In a centralized trafiic controlling system,

the combination with a section of track of a railway system, a track relay associated with said section, a stick relay associated with said section which stick relay assumes its energized condition when traffic moves in one direction over said section, a local ofiice, a line circuit connecting said mice and section, and automatically initiated indicating means for distinctively indicating at said oifice over said line circuit when said stick relay is energized and said track relay is deenergized and when both said stick relay and said track relay are deenergized.

17. In a centralized traflic controlling system, the combination with a section of track of a railway system, a track relay associated with said section, a stick relay associated with said section which stick relay assumes its energized condition when traffic moves in one direction over said section, a local ofiice, a line circuit connecting said ofiice and section, and indicating means for distinctively indicating at said ofiice and over said line wire the condition of energization of said stick relay for each denergization of said track relay.

18.,In a centralized traffic controlling system, the combination with a section of track of a railway system, a signal associated with said section, a track relay associated with said section, a stick relay associated with saidsection which stick relay assumes its energized condition when trailic moves in one direction over said section, a local office, a line circuit connecting said ofiice and section, means for controlling said signal over said line circuit, and automatically initiated indicating means for distinctively indicating at said ofiice over said line circuit when said stick relay is energized and said trackrelay is deenergized and when both said stick relay and said track relay are deenergized.

19. In a centralized traffic controlling system, the combination with a section of track of a raila track relay associated with said section, a stick relay associated with said section which stick relay assumes its energizedcondition when trafiic moves in one direction over-said sectign,;a local 011108,;3. line circuit connectingsa id ofiice andlsection, means for controlling said signal oversaid line circuit, and indicating rneans for distinctive- 1y indicating at said ofiice and over saidlin wire the condition of energization of said stickrelay for eachdeenergization of; said track rlay.

'20. Ina remote control system comprising a line circuit at times supplied with acontrol code, a

relay, code receiving apparatus, means effective when said relay is in oneposition to connect said receiving apparatus withisaid line circuit, amovable device selectively controlled bysaid receiving means in accordance with said -controbcode, means controlled by said device for at timesoperating said relay to another position, and means effective when said relay occupies-such other position to initiate the transmission of an'indication code to said line circuit. i

21. In aremote control system comprising a line circuit and code transmitting and receiving apparatuses, a normally deenerg'ized relay, means controlled by a back contact oi said relay for connecting said receiving apparatus with said line circuit, means for energizing said relay when a code is to be transmitted, and means controlled by a front contact of said relay for initiating operation of said transmitting apparatus.

22. In a centralized trailic controlling system for railroads comprising an ofiice and a station connected by a line circuit, a plurality of railway traffic governing devices at the station, a series of starting relays, means for selectively energizing said starting relays in response to changes in the condition of said devices or traffic conditions adjacent said devices, a series of sending magnets one for each said starting relay, a circuit for each sending magnet including a front contact of the corresponding starting relay and a back contact of each preceding starting relay in said series, a master relay, means for operating said master relay when any starting relay becomes energized, and transmitting means eifective when said master relay is operated to deliver to said line circuit an indication code the character of which depends upon the particular sending magnet then energized.

23. In a centralized traffic controlling system for railroads comprising an ofiice and a station located at spaced points and connected by a line circuit, a plurality of trafiic governing devices at one point, a series of starting devices each having normal and reverse positions and each controlled by a particular one of said governing devices, a series of sending magnets one for each said starting device, a circuit for each sending magnet including a reverse contact of the associated starting device and a normal contact of each preceding starting device in said series, a master relay, means for operating said master relay when any starting device is moved to its reverse position, and transmitting means effective when said master relay is operated to deliver to said line circuit a distinctive code the character of which depends upon the particular sending magnet then energized.-

24. In a centralized traflic controlling system for railroads comprising an office and a station connected by a line circuit, 'a plurality of railway traflic governing devices at the station, means controlled from the office for selectively controlling said devices, a series of starting relays, means for selectively energizing said starting relays in response to changes in the condition of said devices or traffic conditions adjacent said devices, a series of sending magnets one for each said starting relay, means effective upon the energiza tion of any starting relay for energizing the corresponding sending magnet provided no preceding starting relay is energized and for preventing the ener'gization of any succeeding sending magnet, and transmittingmeans set into operation when any starting relay is energized provided only the line circ'uit is clear to deliver to, said line circuit an indication code the character of which depends upon the particular sending magnet then energized.

25. In a centralized traffic controlling system iorrailroads comprising an ofiice and a station connected by a line circuit, a section of railway trackat said station provided witlia track circuit, a plurality of devices for governing traihc through said section, a series of starting relays, means for momentarily energizing each said starting relay in response to a particular change in the condition of a governing device or said track circuit, a series of sending magnets one for each said starting relay, a circuit for each sending magnet including a front contact of the corresponding starting relay and a back contact of each preceding starting relay in said series, transmitting means operated when any starting relay is energized to initiate the delivery to said line circuit of an indication code the character of which depends upon the particular sending magnot then energized, and means efiective when any starting relay is energized to hold such relay in said sending magnet when the corresponding starting relay is operated provided no preceding starting relay in said series is operated, a master relay, means for operating said master relaywhen any starting relay is operated, means efiective when said master relay is operated to initiate the transmission to said line wires of a code the character of which depends upon the particular sending magnet then energized and to restore the corresponding starting relay to its original condition, and means at said other point selectively responsive to codes delivered to said line wires.

27. In a remote control system of the code type comprising a line circuit, a quick-acting relay' included in said line circuit, a slow acting relay controlled by said quick-acting relay and arranged to be closed for the duration of a code in said line circuit, a series of starting relays, means for operating said starting relays selectively to store different codes to be transmitted to said line circuit, a series of sending magnets one for each starting relay, means for energizing any sending magnet when the associated starting relay is operated provided no preceding starting relay in said series is operated, transmittting means o'perating when a sending magnet is energized to cause transmission of a distinctive code to said line circuit provided only said slow acting relay is deenergized, and means effective when said transmitting means becomes efiective to restore to its original condition the starting relay which has its sending magnet energized.

28. In a centralized trafiic controlling system for railroads comprising an oflice and a station connected by line wires, two sections of railway track at said station, means for supplying track circuit current to the rails of each said section, an interlocking relay having two windings one connected with the rails of each section, a repeater relay controlled by said interlocking relay, a transmitter controlled by said interlocking relay and by said repeater relay for delivering codes to said line wires, and receiving means at the office selectively responsive to said codes.

29. In a centralized trai-fic controlling system for railroads comprising an oiflce and a station connected by line wires, a stretch of railway track at the station, means set into operation by the passage of a train through said stretch to transmit over said line wires a distinctive code depending upon the direction of travel of such train, means at said ofiice selectively responsive to such codes for displaying a persistent indication of the direction of travel of the last train through said stretch, and manually operable means at the oflice for canceling such indication.

30. A system for controlling distant traflic controlling devices of a railway system comprising, two railway signals each when clear giving an indication conflicting with the indication of the other signal when clear, a stick relay for controlling each of said signals, code responsive means for controlling the pick-up circuits for said stick relays, and a stick circuit for each stick relay including a back contact of the other of said stick relays and also including a back contact of a third relay.

31. A system for controlling distant traflic controlling devices of a railway system comprising, two railway signals each when clear giving an indication conflicting with the indication of the other signal when clear, a stick relay for controlling each of said signals, code responsive means for controlling the pickup circuits for said stick relays, another relay controllable by a code responsive means, and a stick circuit for each stick relay including a back contact of the other stick relayand a back contact of said another relay.

32. A system for controlling distant traffic controlling devices of a railway system by distinctive codes comprising, a track switch, a switch machine for operating said track switch, a stick relay for controlling said switch machine to the normal position, another stick relay for controlling said switch machine to the reverse position, pick-up circuits for said stick relays controlled by code responsive means, another relay, and a stick circuit for each of said stick relays including a back contact of the other stick relay and a back contact of said another relay.

33. A railway train despatching system comprising an ofiice and a distant way station, a pair of stick relays at said station, manually controlled code transmitting apparatus at said office, a pickup circuit for each said stick relay, means responsive to codes from said transmitting apparatus for selectively closing said pickup circuits, an additional relay at the station controlled by code from said transmitting apparatus, a stick circuit for each stick relay including a back contact of the other stick relay and a back contact of said additional relay, and

traffic governing means at said station controlled selectively by said stick relays.

34. A centralized traiiic controlling system for railroads comprising; a central omce; a distant way station; and means for transmitting distinctive indication impulses from said distant way station to said central office including two stick relays each of which may be picked up by being momentarily energized upon a particular change in traflic conditions, a repeater relay for each of said stick relays, a control circuit for one of said repeater relays including a front contact of its companion stick relay, and a control circuit for the other repeater relay including a rent contact of its companion stick relay and a back contact of the other stick relay, whereby said one repeater relay dominates the other repeater relay because it may pick up when both stick relays are up whereas the other repeater relay can only pick up when one of said stick relays is in its deenergized position.

35. A centralized traflic controlling system for railroads comprising; a central ofiice; a distant way station; and means for transmitting distinctive indication impulses from said distant way station to said central office including two stick relays each of which may be picked up by being momentarily energized upon a particular change in traffic conditions, two windings one associated with each stick relay, a control circuit for one of said windings including a front contact of its companion stick relay, and a control circuit for the other said winding including a front contact of its companion stick relay and a back "contact of the other stick relay, whereby said one winding dominates the other winding because it may be energized when both stick relays are up whereas the other winding can only be energized when one of said stick relays is in its deenergized position.

36. A centralized traflic controlling system for railroads comprising; a central ofiice; a distant way station; and means for transmitting distinctive impulses from said distant way station to said central oflice including two starting relays, means controlled by traffic conditions at said station for briefly energizing said starting relays, a stick circuit for each starting relay, a sending magnet for each starting relay, a circuit for one sending magnet including a front contact of the associated starting relay, a circuit for the other sending magnet including a front contact of the associated starting relay and a back cont-act of the other starting relay, and means effective when either sending magnet is energized to cause said transmitting means to deliver a distinctive code combination.

37. A centralized traffic controlling system for railroads comprising an ofiice and a station connected by line wires, two starting relays at said station, means controlled by trafiic conditions at said station for briefly energizing said starting relays, a stick circut for each starting relay, a sending magnet for each starting relay, a circuit for one sending magnet including a front contact of the associated starting relay, a circuit for the other sending magnet including a front contact of the associated starting relay and a back contact of the other starting relay, a code wheel for each said starting magnet, and means rendered effective by the energization of each sending magnet to cause the associated code wheel to deliver a distinctive impulse combination to said line wires for the control of indication means at the oflice.

38. In a dispatching system, an indication relay in the dispatchers office, controllable from a distant station in accordance with the operated condition of a device to be indicated, an electric lamp having a lighting circuit controlled by said relay, means actuated by the flow of current in said lighting circuit for maintaining said lamp lighted independently of said relay, and manually operable means for rendering said means ineffective and thereby causing the lighting of said lamp to be dependent upon the operated condition of said indication relay.

39. In a centralized trafic controlling system for railroads, an ofiice and a station connected by line wires, a non-track-circuited stretch of track adjacent said station, a section of track at said station having a track circuit, a stick relay at the office eflective when energized to indicate the occupancy of said non-track-circuited stretch, means controlled over said line wires and responsive to the occupancy of said station section for picking up said stick relay, and means for releasing the stick relay including a manually operable key.

40. In a centralized traffic controlling system for railroads, an oifice and a station connected by line wires, a non-track-circuited stretch of track adjacent said station, a section of track at said station having a track circuit, indication means at the oifice effective when actuated to indicate the occupancy of said non-track circuited stretch; means responsive to the presence and direction of travel of a train occupying said station section for selectively actuating said indication means over said line wires to cause a persistent indication of the occupancy of said nontrack-circuited stretch to be displayed, and means for releasing said indication means to cancel said indication.

41. In a centralized traific controlling system for railroads, means for indicating at a control oifice the occupancy of a non-track-circuited stretch of track at a remote station comprising indication means at the office eiiective when actuated to persistently display an indication of the occupancy of said stretch, a track section adjoining said stretch having a track circuit, direction selecting means, means responsive to the occupancy of said section and to said direction selecting means for actuating said indication means, and a manually operable key eiiective when operated to release said indication means to cancel said indication.

42. In a centralized traffic controlling system for railroads, means for indicating at a control office the arrival and direction of travel of a train at a remote station comprising two stick relays, each effective when actuated to persistently display an indication of the arrival and direction of travel of a train at said station, a track section having a track circuit at said station, means responsive to the occupancy of said section by a train for actuating one of said stick relays or the other in accordance with the direction of travel of the train, and manually operable means at the office effective when actuated to release said stick relays to cancel said indications.

43. In a centralized traftic controlling system for a single track railroad having a passing siding, a station adjacent the siding and a control office, line wires connecting the office and station, indication means at the oilice effective when actuated to indicate the presence of a train and its direction of travel in a stretch of single track adjacent to said siding, trafiic controlled means at said station selectively responsive to traflic direction, means actuated by the trairlc control means at the station when a train passes the station to enter an adjacent single track section to transmit a distinctive code signal over said line wires, and means at the ofiice selectively responsive to said code signal for actuating the corresponding indication means.

44. In a centralized trafiic controlling system for railroads, an ofiice and a station connected by line wires, a pair of opposing signals at said station, means responsive to a change in the condition of either signal to transmit one code to said line Wires if the signal moves to stop or to transmit a different code to said line wires if the signal moves to clear, indication means at the office selectively responsive to said codes, and means including said line wires for giving at said office an indication of the direction of movement of a train passing said signals.

45. A centralized traffic control system for railroads, comprising an office and a station, means for transmitting from the office to the station a series of current impulses, a pair of opposing signals at the station, a stick relay for each signal, a control circuit for each signal energized only when the corresponding stick relay is energized, means effective when selected impulses are included in said series for energizing a selected one of said stick relays, and a contact opened by each stick relay when energized each said contact being included in the energizing circuit for the other stick relay of the pair.

CLARENCE S. SNAVELY. 

